My 1997 Golf GTI 16V cuts out when warm. Diagnostics didn't show a specific fault but the mechanic said he had this problem before and he thinks it is the crank shaft sensor. He replaced it 2 weeks ago and it seemed to run for longer than it had done before. It is off the road at the moment but yesterday i took it for its MOT and it kept cutting out again when it got warm. As soon as it cools you can restart it but when it warms up it cuts out again.... What could it be?

SOURCE: Mk2 Golf GTI 2l 16v Not Performing Like IT Should!

ive had this problem the loud tapping noise if properly you have the wrong oil in the engine the lifters only have a very small hole in for the to get in so if it to thick it cant get in causing the slapping noise.

SOURCE: golf gti 16v mk3 miss fire at 2500 3000 revs

VW = ****. Buy new car. Newer American cars are okay. If your going to go to 00' or older stick with japanese make.

SOURCE: my golf mk3 16v gti keeps revving up and down

may have a leaky cold start valve injector

SOURCE: 1997 Mk 3 Golf GTI. Engine cuts whilst driving. Electrical?

try removing battery and cleaning all the ground under the battery tray and check main ground wire from battery to engine

SOURCE: vw golf mark 2 1.8 gti 16v is hard to get in to

Sounds like you will need new shifter links, there are only available from a VW dealer and easy to install. There are two of them, they are usually white (when not covered in dirt) and plastic. They snap into place on to the metal rods for your sifter linkage (located on the back of the trany by the fire wall) when these get worn badly it makes it hard to shift into certain gears not all gears tho. A good indentation that these are worn out is a sloppy shifter. Also the linkage should be lubed up to make it easier to shift, if your shifter is not sloppy then try lubing up each link (think there is 6 pivot points) even the main slide link. Let me know if that helps.

vdubs 4-ever